Health Minister Stephen Donnelly has highlighted concerns about decision-making and patient flow in some of Ireland’s major hospitals. He emphasized the need for reforms, including increased weekend discharges, to address capacity constraints. Minister Donnelly stressed the importance of moving to a seven-day-a-week service, noting that simply adding more beds is insufficient without concurrent reforms.
Despite the addition of over 1,000 beds, with more expected to come online, and plans for an additional 1,500 beds through a rapid-build program, Minister Donnelly emphasized the crucial role of reform. He pointed out that the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) has acknowledged improvements in patient flow and senior decision-making in emergency departments but noted that best practices are not consistently implemented across the country.
Expressing dissatisfaction with the management of some larger hospitals consistently under pressure, Minister Donnelly stressed the need for effective patient flow and senior management. He highlighted ongoing efforts to add capacity, reform, and the development of six surgical hubs nationally to address day-case waiting lists. These hubs, located in South Dublin, North Dublin, Cork, Waterford, Limerick, and Galway, aim to perform day-case procedures and minor operations, alleviating the burden on inpatient care.
Minister Donnelly also mentioned ongoing discussions with the Health Service Executive (HSE) about the possibility of an additional hub in the northwest. The government is focusing on outpatient services to manage the increased demand for inpatient and day care. The Department of Health is set to launch a waiting-list action plan, including additional beds in hospitals and the community, as well as the rollout of new healthcare facilities. While acknowledging progress in reducing appointment waiting times, Minister Donnelly acknowledged the need to continue efforts to reach the target of 10-12 weeks.
